Library eNewsletter | December 2022

SaratogaREADS!

Announcing our Community Read for 2023

The results are in, and Saratoga Springs Public Library is pleased to announce, that by popular vote, the community has chosen New York Times bestseller, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels by John Meacham as the SaratogaREADS! selection for 2023.

In this 2018 book, Pulitzer Prize-winner Jon Meacham helps us understand the present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear. “As an institution dedicated to inclusion at a time of particular partisanship, we look forward to a season of programs and discussions inspired by this exploration of our national penchant for persevering through periods of great divisiveness,” said library director Issac Pulver.

The Soul of America is available from the Saratoga Springs Public Library in multiple formats: paperback, large print, and CD. A slate of programs and events inspired by next year’s selections will be announced in the coming months, and will be available online at www.saratogareads.org and on Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Events Calendar at www.sspl.org.

Since 2005, SaratogaREADS! has invited all members of the Saratoga Springs community to participate in a shared reading experience, and to take part in conversations and events inspired by their annual reading selections.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Brown Bag Lunch: The Tuskegee Airmen

& Lt. Col. Clarence Dart

Warren Dart, family member of Saratogian and Lieutenant Colonel Clarence Dart, will present a brief history of the Tuskegee Airman. This special unit trained at the airfield near the famed Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and became the first African American aviators in the U.S. military. Warren will also talk about Lt. Col. Dart, who during World War II, served as a Tuskegee Airman. Please register for this December 8th program online through this link, to either attend in-person or online via Zoom.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Gingerbread House Workshops

Our always popular Gingerbread House Workshops are back this year and give children in grades K-6 and teens the opportunity to build their own holiday creation. Younger children may bring one accompanying adult helper. We ask that each participant bring a cube tissue box to use as the base. Registration is limited to Saratoga Springs City School District residents ONLY. There are a variety of dates and times to choose from. Register online through this link, in person, or by calling the Children's Room at 518-584-7860, ext 305.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

School Vacation Week at Your Library

Looking for something for the kids to do during the school holiday vacation week? SSPL has you covered with opportunities to enjoy music and magic together as a family! Join us for one or all of our vacation week programs.

Holidays Around the World with Dawn Collins | Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m

Stories & Fun with Pipsqueak the Clown | Thursday, Dec. 29 | 11 - 11:45 a.m.

Magic with Ron Cain | Friday, Dec. 30 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Kids & Teens Corner

What's New in October for Kids, Teens, & Their Families

Click on the links below to check out these offerings for Kids, Teens, and their Families:

Tweens & Teens

Dungeons & Dragons Online | Wednesdays, Dec. 7 & 14 | 6 - 8 p.m.| Grades 6 - 12

Make Your Own Ornament | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Luna the Labrador visits the Teen Room | Monday, Dec. 12 | 5:45- 6:15 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

DIY Hot Cocoa | Tuesday, Dec. 13 | 3:30 - 5 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

intenSati Workout for the Body & Mind | Monday, Dec. 19 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Grades 6 - 12 & Adults

The Teen Room is open to students entering grades 7-12 Monday - Thursday, 3 - 6 p.m.

Children & Families

Gingerbread House Workshops | multiple dates & times | Grades K-6

Music & Movement | Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14, & 21 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Ages 0 - 6 with parent or caregiver

Library Goes to Town at SaratogaARTS | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Ages 2-5 with parent or caregiver

Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Children and Their Families

Afterschool Art: Faux Stained Glass | Monday, Dec. 12 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K and up

Drop in for a Craft | Wednesdays, Dec. 14 & 28 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Grades K and up

Family Story Time | Thursday, Dec. 15 |10 - 10:30 a.m. | Ages 0-6 with parent or caregiver

Holidays Around the World with Dawn Collins | Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Children and Their Families

Stories & Fun with Pipsqueak the Clown | Thursday, Dec. 29 | 11 - 11:45 a.m. | Children and Their Families

Woven Bookmark Craft | Thursday, Dec. 29 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Grades K and up

Magic with Ron Cain | Friday, Dec. 30 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Children and Their Families

Please check our Events Calendar for availability, registration, or to join an existing wait list.

Digital Services

Data-Axel for Business & Consumer Databases

Data-Axel, publisher of Reference Solutions, is a premiere database that collects comprehensive, recent, and accurate data on 95% of businesses in North America. Those businesses range from small and local to the largest of enterprises. If you are searching for a company directory, locations, or need to determine the relationship between multiple businesses and more, then Data-Axel's Reference Solutions is for you! Watch a short video explanation through this link, then use free with your library card!

PROGRAM IN HAND?

Hard Copy or Digital Program Guide for November & December

SSPL prints limited quantities of our Program Guide, which covers two months of programming at a time. This option is for those who wish to have a physical document highlighting our offerings. If you are comfortable with an online format, we encourage you to help us conserve resources by choosing that option, and visiting our online link to the guide or our Events Calendar at www.sspl.org where you will find these, other programming, details, and have the ability to register.

Our Friends Are Having a Sale!

The Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library will be hosting a t 25% Off Holiday Shopping Spree Sale, December 12 - 23. What a wonderful opportunity to purchase a holiday gift for the book lovers in your life!

www.friends.sspl.org

Current Library Hours & Services

The library is open seven days a week and indoor seating is available. Current hours of operation are Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve - Saturday, December 24 - LIBRARY CLOSED

Christmas Day - Sunday, December 25 - LIBRARY CLOSED

New Year's Eve - Saturday, December 31 - Library Open 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

New Year's Day - Sunday, January 1 - LIBRARY CLOSED



For a full list of services and additional updates, please visit the Library Announcements section of our homepage at www.sspl.org.

How to Find Out About

Programs at Your Library

Are you participating in programs at your library? View our Events Calendar at www.sspl.org or follow us on your favorite social media platform to stay in the loop!

Facebook: @SaratogaLibrary

Instagram: @SaratogaSpringsLibrary

Twitter: @SaratogaLibrary

TikTok: @SaratogaLibrary